First Baptist Whitehall - News

Concert Aug. 14

2009-08-03T20:23:00.000-04:00

Christian Country Gospel Singer John Osborne will team up with the North East Gospel Music Association to give a free concert at First Baptist Church of Whitehall, 41 Williams St., Friday, August 14, 7:00 pm. The public is cordially invited to attend. A free-will offering will be received. For more information, call Pastor Jim Peterson, 642-2245.

NEGMA is based in the Cowboy Church in Whitehall, pastored by Marie Monroe, and gives concerts throughout the region.

John Osborne was born and raised in Hunter, NY, where he still lives with his wife Diane and son Ryan. John began singing gospel music as a young boy. At age 18, in 1977, he asked Jesus into his life.

Although John has gone through tough times over the years and many valley experiences, Jesus has always guided and directed John back onto the right path.

Diagnosed with Clinical Depression in 1992, John has been able to reach out and help others who face the same illness. John simply wants to share the message of the cross through music and the word, to see people saved, and to be an encouragement to all people.

His website is www.johnosborneministries.org. For more information about First Baptist Church of Whitehall, go to www.WhitehallFirstBaptist.org.

Outdoor Worship July 26

2009-07-12T22:04:00.001-04:00

Our worship service on Sunday, July 26, at 11:00 am, will be in the Pavillion in the Park, alongside the canal. Following the service, we will enjoy a picnic. Please join us.

Concert, June 14, 3 pm

2009-06-05T08:54:00.001-04:00

Darren Speed, from Dallas TX, will play his acoustic guitar and sing Christian songs, many of which he has composed himself, at First Baptist Church of Whitehall, 41 Williams St., Sunday, June 14, at 3:00 pm. The concert is free, but a freewill offering will be received. The sanctuary is handicapped accessible from the side door in the rear of the Church. For more information, call Pastor Jim Peterson at 518-642-2245.

Born and raised near Tulsa OK, Darren now lives near Dallas TX. Both his lyrics and the flow of his melodies have a unique grassroots feel. He likes to write songs about his personal experiences with God, friends, and family.

With most of Darren’s songs directly about the personality of God, this acoustic guitar player and solo vocalist poetically describes stories of the proud finding humility, God loving His creation, and the sadness behind the seemingly happy, etc.. Darren plays a variety of musical instruments during his performances.

To learn more about Darren Speed, go to his website, www.JethroRecords.com. Darren leads Praise and Worship at his home Church in Texas and performs in churches and coffee houses throughout the region.

This concert is part of the once a month series hosted by First Baptist Church of Whitehall and arranged by Brian Larson at Christian Radio Station WNGN, 91.9 FM..

Wade Hammond Concert, May 17, 3 pm

2009-05-08T10:28:00.001-04:00

Christian Concert, May 17, 3 pm,

At First Baptist Church of Whitehall

Wade Hammond, Christian singer, songwriter, and musical evangelist, will be in concert at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 17, in the First Baptist Church of Whitehall, 41 Williams St.. A free-will offering will be received. The Church is wheelchair accessible from the rear door. For more information, call Pastor Jim Peterson, 642-2245, or email JCPeterson@roadrunner.com.

Wade sings a variety of music—contemporary, praise and worship, inspirational, and Southern gospel. He started writing songs at age 14, and is now a member of the BMI Songwriters Association and has been a Dove Award nominee. Wade’s music can be heard on Christian radio stations across the country, and locally on WNGN, 91.9 FM.

One of 4 children, Wade was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Rock Creek, Alabama. Together, they have 5 children, one daughter-in-law, 2 grandchildren and the third one is on its way. They are active members of Union Hill Baptist Church.

Endeavoring to be obedient to the Lord, Wade shares his faith in Jesus Christ by singing and speaking throughout the United States and Canada. His desire is to tell everyone about Jesus and to minister to hurting people.

National Day of Prayer, May 7, 7pm

2009-04-27T08:50:00.001-04:00

National Day of Prayer Service, May 7, 7:00 pm

Everyone who believes in prayer and has a concern for our nation and community is invited to join with your fellow citizens for a National Day of Prayer event, Thursday, May 7, 7:00 p.m., in Whitehall’s Riverside Park, near the intersection of Main and Saunders Sts.. The event will be a time of praying for our nation, state, county, town, village, schools, all elected officials, and all who serve and protect our communities, either as volunteers or professionals.

First Baptist Church of Whitehall, Faith Chapel Assembly of God, and several other local churches are supporting this ecumenical prayer meeting for our community and urge all other believers to attend and to join in prayer together.

This year’s theme, “Prayer…America’s Hope,” is based on Psalm 33:22, “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”

The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage in America. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863.

In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Usually the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Often all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories sign similar proclamations.

The National Day of Prayer has great significance for us as a nation. It enables us to recall and to teach our children the way in which our founding fathers sought the wisdom of God when faced with critical decisions. It stands as a call to us to humbly come before God, seeking His guidance for our leaders and His grace upon us as a people. The unanimous passage of the bill establishing the NDP as an annual event signifies that prayer is as important to our nation today as it was in the beginning.

Rev. Jim Peterson, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Whitehall, says, “I look forward to joining with brothers and sisters in Christ from all over Whitehall, as we pray together for our nation and community.” For more information, contact Pastor Peterson at 642-2245 or JCPeterson@roadrunner.com.

Stephens Concert, April 19, 3 pm

2009-04-09T13:40:00.001-04:00

Nationally known singer and song writer, Rev. Bobby Dean Stephens and his wife Debbie from Arizona will present a free concert for the whole family, Sunday, April 19, at 3:00 pm, at First Baptist Church of Whitehall, 41 Williams St. The sanctuary is wheelchair accessible from the side door of the Church. Parking is available in back of the Church, across the street, and on the street. For more information, contact Pastor Jim Peterson 518-642-2245 or JCPeterson@roadrunner.com.

The one-hour afternoon event will include styles ranging from contemporary inspirational to dynamic praise and worship to country gospel to heart touching ballads. There will be something special for the little ones in the family as well. At each appearance, Bobby brings the message of hope and encouragement through Christ by his music, testimony, drama, and God’s Word. His music is written to strengthen and challenge Christians in their practical, everyday lives.

Pastor Peterson says, “Bobby’s rich and powerful baritone voice and songwriting talents bear witness to the grace and goodness of the Lord in his life.”

Bobby has written and released nationally three CDs, “Thank You Lord”, “Mirror Without Fingerprints”, and “Hymns For Him”. He is a member of the Gospel Music Association and the BMI Songwriters Association. He and his wife Debbie and their 2 children live in the mountains of northern Arizona.

Traveling from coast to coast, Bobby and Debbie have one goal—to see people come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and to be an encouragement to believers of all ages. For more information about Bobby Stephens and his Rock of Safety Ministries go to his website www.rockofsafety.com.

This concert is part of a once a month series of Christian concerts arranged by radio station WNGN 91.9 FM.

Palm Sunday Hymnsing

2009-03-26T14:22:00.001-04:00

Palm Sunday Hymnsing will be at 6:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Whitehall, 41 Williams St., April 5. This annual, ecumenical event will feature choirs and soloists from several local churches, as well as many opportunities for those who attend to request favorites out of the Church’s new hymnal, “The Celebration Hymnal.” Music Director for First Baptist Church is Mary Cosey. The sanctuary is handicap accessible through the back door of the Church. For more information, contact Pastor Jim Peterson at 642-2245 or JCPeterson@roadrunner.com.

“This is a popular event, which folks in many local churches look forward to each year. For a couple of hours we get a taste of Heaven—God’s people from various denominations worshipping the Lord together with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody unto the Lord,” says Pastor Peterson. He adds, “Start Holy Week with Christian fellowship and music. After all, Christ prayed in John 17 that we would all be one in Him.”

Christian concert, March 22

2009-03-12T15:05:00.000-04:00

Sherry Anne Lints will give a free Christian concert at First Baptist Church of Whitehall, 41 Williams St., at 3:00 pm, on Sunday, March 22. She is a chiropractor in Utica, NY, but has sung with Bill and Gloria Gaither and had a role in a Christian movie, “Clancy”, which was just released. Her debut CD, “Thank You”, was released last year. Check out her website, www.sherryanne.com. For more information, contact Pastor Jim Peterson, 518-642-2245, or JCPeterson@roadrunner.com. This is part of the monthly concert series arranged by Christian radio station WNGN 91.9 FM.

Sherry Anne was born with hearing impairment and a speech impediment, but has overcome them with God’s miraculous help. Judy Perkins, Coordinator of the Jeremiah Christian Coffeehouse says, “Sherry Lints always blesses everyone who hears her sing. She has an amazing voice and makes you feel that she truly believes everything she is singing about. They are not just words, they are a testimony. Sherry uses the gift to glorify Him. Whether she is singing gospel music, contemporary Christian music, or hymns, she will ‘knock your socks off’.

Critics say she has perfect pitch and vocal purity.

Rabbi Justin Elwell-Biet says, “To only hear Sherry sing is a blessing; but to know what she has overcome in her life by the grace of God is an amazing testimony of His Sovereignty! Through her music Sherry gives bold witness to His power to move all obstacles from the path of those He has called for His purpose. You will be blessed by her voice, the testimony, and the Presence of the great I Am!”

A native of Utica, NY, Sherry Anne Litts achieved a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree at the age of 24. Additionally, she is certified as a fitness trainer.

Having a great love for people with disabilities, Sherry frequently lectures at elementary schools, vocational schools and colleges. Sherry has been a regular speaker for the “Dare, Dream, Do” Program, a positive outreach to inner city children.

Sherry’s greatest passion, however, is sharing her love of music and drama in churches, coffeehouses, conferences, events, seminars and other venues. Sherry’s rich, soulful voice has allowed her to sing for the Wilmington Celebration Choir on the televised Feed the Children Christmas Special with Lynda Randle, music events such as GMA in the Rockies at Café’ Estes and the Stamps-Baxter School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee.

Sherry serves in the local church, where she has organized and led the “Passion Players” drama team, as well as led in solos regularly as a member of the worship team. Taking a stand for abstinence, Sherry has written several one-act skits emphasizing biblical values such as modesty, purity, and integrity. Sherry has also written a full-length Passion play (i.e., cantata) and an original Veterans Day play to reach out to the community with the gospel message.

In addition to singing and acting, Sherry has been invited to speak at several women’s events and youth retreats, sharing her powerful testimony of overcoming a childhood marked by alcoholism, abuse, and physical limitations. She loves to talk about daring to achieve goals, overcoming obstacles and pride, living a life of modesty and other topics of Judeo-Christian interest.

It is Sherry’s true desire to minister worldwide the message of God’s unconditional love, using her gifts to see lives changed for eternity by the tangible presence of God.

The First Baptist Church of Whitehall is wheelchair accessible through the back door. A free-will offering will be taken.

Witham concert, Feb. 22, 3:00 pm

2009-02-13T13:41:00.001-05:00

Celebrate Washington’s Birthday by enjoying Country Gospel music played and sung by 2 great Americans—Cal and Jay Witham—ministers from the Cambridge NY area, who will give a free concert at the First Baptist Church of Whitehall, 41 Williams St., 3:00 pm, Sunday, Feb. 22, in the Church’s Fellowship Hall. A love gift offering will be taken. For more information, contact Pastor Jim Peterson 518-642-2245, JCPeterson@roadrunner.com.

Cal and Jay received the People’s Choice award from the Country Gospel Music Association, Branson, MO, and are members of the New England Country Music Historical Society.

Both members of this unique father and son team are ordained Baptist ministers, who present their message through traditional and country style music. They are accomplished musicians and singers, well-known pastors, evangelists, recording artists, and radio and TV personalities.

Cal’s daughter Cheryl Darlene often adds inspiring vocal arrangements to the group. Jay’s wife Linda sometimes travels with the family and directs the sound.

During the concert the Withams will inspire the audience with their personal testimonies. Their unique blend of country humor will be interspersed throughout the performance.

First Baptist Church of Whitehall is wheel-chair accessible. Parking is usually available in the parking lot of Jillson’s Funeral Home. The once a month concert series is arranged by Brian Larson, owner and manager of Christian radio station WNGN 91.9 FM.

Annual Report on Finances

2009-01-25T18:36:00.001-05:00

At the Annual Meeting Jan. 25, it was reported that FBC ended 2008 with a balance of $2346.76 in the checking account. The members at the meeting voted a budget for 2009 of $30,448. FBC is also going to purchase new hymnals, “The Celebration Hymnal”. For a list of new officers see “Announcements” on this website.

Paul Gibbs Concert, Jan. 18

2009-01-07T19:36:00.001-05:00

Paul Gibbs of Jesscott Music Ministries will give a free concert of Christian music at First Baptist Church of Whitehall, Sunday, January 18, at 3 pm. A free-will offering will be received. The Church, at 41 Williams St., is wheelchair accessible by the side door at the rear of the building.. Contact Pastor Jim Peterson for more information, 518-642-2245, or JCPeterson@roadrunner.com.

Originally from Granville, Paul now lives in Hudson Falls with his wife Wanda and their children Jessica and Scott. He produces and hosts a Christian radio program, “The Jesscott Music Hour”, on Saturdays at 7 PM, on Christian Radio Station WNGN, 91.9 FM, which is heard in the greater Glens Falls, Albany region.

A primarily self-taught musician since Jr. High School, Paul performed secular music in several bands in the 70s, 80s, and early 90’s. Feeling God’s call to use his musical gifts for a greater purpose, he left the secular music world behind him and started writing, performing, and recording Christian music in 1994.

Since 1994 Paul has been performing at churches and other events and locations, bringing his original and other inspirational music to the stage and Christian radio.

He has recorded 5 albums of Christian music to date, including “A Different Light”, “Because”, “Where Will You Go?”, “Blessed”, and his latest, “So Much More”.

Paul is the founder of Jesscott Music Ministries, and the owner of Serenity Sounds Studio. His website is www.jesscottmusic.com.

His prayer is that those who hear his music “will find encouragement, hope, and any other blessings that God wants you to receive.”

Services cancelled 12/21

2008-12-20T19:07:00.001-05:00

Services are cancelled for 12/21/08 because of the weather forecast of snow and cold and wind, on top of the snow that we already have. See you Tuesday night for Bible Study and next Sunday for Sunday School and Church.

--Pastor Peterson

Concert, Dec. 7, 3 pm

2008-11-28T14:19:00.001-05:00

Paul Talley, nationally known Christian singer, will be in concert at First Baptist Church of Whitehall, 41 Williams St., on Sunday, December 7, at 3:00 pm. A free-will offering will be received. The church is wheelchair accessible. For more information, contact Pastor Jim Peterson, 518-642-2245, JCPeterson@roadrunner.com.

Christian Concert, Nov. 23

2008-11-13T22:01:00.001-05:00

Christian Singer, Sophie Loehn, will share her faith in song at the First Baptist Church of Whitehall, 41 Williams St., Sunday, Nov. 23, at 3:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall in the rear of the Church. For more information, contact Pastor Jim Peterson, 518-642-2245, JCPeterson@roadrunner.com

Sophie comes from Canada and is often featured on Christian radio station WNGN (91.9 FM). There will be no admission charge for the concert, but a free-will offering will be taken. Sophie will also have recordings of her music available for purchase after the concert.

Sophie has toured in the U. S., Canada, and France.

“Variable Skies,” Sophie’s album, which was the result of 12 years of prayer, received 2 nominations for a Vibe Award, and she sang at the Vibe Awards ceremony in Toronto. In Canada, Sophie has appeared on national TV and has had many radio interviews in both Canada and the US.

Sophie writes on her website, www.sophieloehn.com, that we can be encouraged and strengthened by the Lord as the Virgin Mary was, even as we deal with the death of a loved one, as Sophie had to do in November of 2005, when her husband Marc died suddenly and unexpectedly.

In Luke 2:19 we read that “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Sophie says that in her wisdom and example Mary “teaches us to cherish and protect each blessing…In times of trials and tribulations, let’s remember the goodness of the Lord and the prayers He answered faithfully in the past. In doing so, it will give us the strength and courage to stand firm and persevere.”

Sophie accepted Christ as her personal Savior when she was 19 years old and had been suffering from bulimia, unreasonable fears, and low self-confidence. Now, years later, she is a worship leader in the church in Canada that her late husband pastored. She states that her mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through song and testimony, and that she has her “eyes fixed on Heaven.”

She says that she believes that the church’s mission is to “open its doors and reach out to all those who suffer and to those that are in need.”

Rev. Jim Peterson, pastor of First Baptist, says that he enjoyed Sophie’s songs when she sang in Granville twice during the past couple of years, and he is looking forward to hearing her beautiful voice, in person, again. He cordially invites everyone in the area to take advantage of this great opportunity to experience a live performance by an internationally-known Christian singer.

The Fellowship Hall in the rear of First Baptist Church, which is where Sophie will sing, is wheelchair accessible. The Church’s website is www.Whitehallfirstbaptist.org.

Adirondack Assoc. meets Nov. 2

2008-10-08T20:23:00.001-04:00

The Fall Rally and Annual Meeting of the Adirondack Association of the American Baptist Churches of NYS will be at First Baptist Church of Whitehall on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 3:00 p.m., concluding with a goulash supper for $3.

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